Am I entitled to ESA

CousinKevin

I am sole director of my limited company.
I will be unable to work for a few weeks because of an accident. I know that my company will not be able to reclaim any SSP it pays to me, but will I be entitled to ESA?

CousinKevin

From the criteria, I would be eligible for SSP.
However, my company cannot pay me SSP as it has no money because I am not bringing any money into the company.
In which case, could I claim for ESA?

[Deleted User]

I dont think you can as self employed n.i only entitles you to a state pension,you are supposed to make alternative arrangements to cover sickness i.e insurance cover

10pence

Self-employed can be eligible for ESA, but with you being a company director it's a tad more difficult, as strictly speaking you are employed by the company and not classed as self-employed.

I think you might have to supply proof that cannot get SSP, highlight ESA claim form stating you're a Company Director as they might take assets of company into account.

Though, might be refused on grounds you should be getting SSP - regardless of it generating income or you've not paid NI stamp.